Comparisons

It can be annoying: The grout between tiles on your floor remains dingy no matter how hard and often you scrub. In fact, the more you polish, the more the shiny tiles seem to highlight the grimy grout. It’s not a sign of poor cleaning. The solution to cleaning tile grout really boils down to a little bit of chemistry, often using just safe household items. But before you get down to more scrubbing you should understand the type of grout you’re dealing with: 1. Types of Grout: Know What You're Cleaning Sanded grout is often used for wide grout lines. The sand provides bulk, making it ideal for ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles where a rustic look or larger joint is desired. Unsanded grout is used for thinner joints or highly polished tiles. Epoxy grout fights stains, chemicals and moisture, making it an excellent choice for busy areas, bathrooms and shower floors. Understanding your grout is the first step toward understanding the solution, whether it is bathroom floor tiles or a kitchen floor. For sanded grout, a paste made of baking soda and water helps deep clean. For tougher stains, consider a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. For unsanded grout, diluted white vinegar can clean and sanitize. Steam cleaning is also a great chemical-free option. For epoxy grout, simple warm water with a few drops of dish soap is usually enough for routine cleaning. For any remaining haze or stubborn post-installation residue, a specialized epoxy grout cleaner might be the answer. Of course you need to be armed with the right tools and cleaners. Most are readily available in your home. You can round out the list in a DYI store or online: 2. Must-Have Grout Cleaning Supplies and Tools Item Description Grout cleaner For tough stains and deeply embedded dirt Grout brush Stiff, narrow bristles to scrub grime Bucket For cleaning solutions and rinse water Microfiber cloth or sponge Highly absorbent for wiping and drying Rubber gloves Protect your hands from solutions and dirt Wet dry vacuum Hot water cleaning and extraction Homemade grout cleaner can include vinegar, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide to provide safe, chemical-free cleaning. Pro-tip A big help is a wet dry vacuum that can break apart stubborn stains, then rinse and dry afterward. The Dreame H15 Pro Heat Wet Dry Vacuum gives tiles wash at 185°F (85°C), then sucks up the loosened dirt, debris and stains. Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. A little more prep and you’re ready to go! 3. How to Clean Grout in Floor Tiles Bathroom and kitchen grout can differ because of their varied requirements. Epoxy grout is often used in the bathroom due to its water resistance, while the kitchen might have sanded grout because of the larger gaps between tiles used to give a certain look.  Depending on the type and size of the room, steam cleaning could be the preferred solution. Hand cleaning techniques use chemical-free household ingredients while an advanced wet-dry vacuum aids in both preparation and finishing the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to how to clean grout between tiles. Prepare the surface: Use a wet dry vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Make a baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a little warm water to create a thick paste.   Apply the baking soda paste: Using your finger or a spoon, apply the baking soda paste directly onto the grout lines. Prepare the vinegar solution: In a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray the vinegar: Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the baking soda paste on the grout. You'll notice a fizzing reaction. Let it sit: Allow the mixture to sit on the grout for up to 20 minutes. Scrub the grout: Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the grout lines in a circular motion. Some people use an old toothbrush while others buy a purpose-made brush.Once the brush is in hand, apply firm pressure to work the paste into the grout and loosen embedded dirt. For stubborn stains, you might need to apply more elbow grease. Note: Some users have found that the Dreame H15 Pro Heat Wet Dry Vacuum alone was effective at cleaning the grout and removing grout haze without scrubbing. Once the grout is clean you want to keep it that way. A sealant will help prevent grimy buildup. Quick Guide to Cleaning Tile Grout Method Best for Pros Cons Baking soda + vinegar paste Cement-based grout Inexpensive, natural Requires scrubbing Steam cleaning Epoxy or sensitive grout Chemical-free, less manual Need equipment Wet dry vacuum All floor grout Hot water deep clean, dries fast More costly upfront 4. Why You Need to Seal Grout You need to seal grout to protect it from stains, moisture and future discoloration. Without a sealant, grout absorbs water and dirt easily, leading to mold, mildew, and stubborn stains over time. After the hard work of getting those grout lines back shiny as new, it is a good idea to apply some sealant. How often it’s applied and the type of sealant can vary according the room’s use. Main bathrooms, kitchen floors, entryways and high-moisture areas such as showers should be sealed more often. Recommendations range from every six months to one year. Low-traffic areas like guest bathrooms and laundry rooms might only need sealing every one to two years or even longer. Different sealants for different floors The primary sealant types are penetrating sealers and membrane-forming sealers. Penetrating sealers, also known as impregnators, are highly recommended because s they absorb into cement-based grout, forming an invisible, breathable barrier that repels water and stains without changing the grout's appearance. Membrane-forming or topical sealers for high-moisture areas create a surface coating that can give a specific finish. For most common cement-based grouts in wet environments, a penetrating sealer provides the best protection. Now establish a routine that stops daily buildup. 5. Prevent Buildup on Grout To prevent future grout discoloration and haze, robot vacuum and mop combinations such as the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen2 Robot Vacuum are excellent for maintaining tile floors, keeping them dust- and spill-free with minimal effort. These ingenious devices first vacuum up loose dirt then seamlessly transition to mopping using water and often a cleaning solution. This dual functionality ensures complete cleaning, preventing daily buildup of grime in busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Many models feature smart mapping and navigation, allowing them to efficiently cover entire rooms, avoid obstacles, and even return to a self-emptying and self-cleaning base, providing a truly hands-off approach to consistent floor hygiene and pristine lines of grout between tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. A routine of using a wet dry vacuum to keep surfaces clean is also recommended to deter dirt from settling in the grout between tiles. You are certainly not alone if you have trouble cleaning the grout between tiles on your floor. It's a challenge in almost every home. Frequently asked questions include:  F.A.Q What is the best way to clean grout on tile floors? The best way to clean grout on tile floors is to use a stiff brush with the right cleaning solution such as a paste of baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. For an effective and chemical-free deep clean, a wet dry vacuum cleaner is highly recommended because it uses hot water to loosen embedded dirt and grime. How often should I clean my tile grout? You should deep clean your tile grout at least once a year. However, in high-traffic areas, kitchens and bathrooms, more frequent deep cleaning might be necessary, perhaps two or more times a year. How do professionals clean tile grout? Professionals clean tile grout by first applying specialized pre-treatment solutions to loosen embedded dirt and grime. They then use equipment such as high-pressure hot water extractors or rotary scrubbing machines with specialized brushes to thoroughly clean and rinse the grout lines, often following up with a sealant to protect the newly cleaned surface. How much does grout cleaning cost? The cost of professional grout cleaning typically ranges from $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot, though many companies have a minimum charge, often between $100 and $200. Factors influencing the final price include the total area to be cleaned, the condition of the grout, the type of tile, and whether additional services like sealing or repair are included. Maintaining the look your tile floor had when new is not a mission impossible. Empowered with more knowledge, a little kitchen chemistry and high-tech help from modern appliances, your floors can again be gleaming—just like when first installed.

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It’s an all-too-common scenario: A homeowner is standing in their basement, flashlight in hand, staring at alarming dark patches spreading across once-pristine walls. The musty odor was the first clue, but seeing fuzzy colonies of mold sends a chill down their spine despite the summer heat outside. Now alert, they notice black mold forming in the corners of other rooms. Determined to thoroughly understand, the owner goes online to check a tip the neighbor gave: “Does Heat Kill Mold Effectively?” they ask a search site—and find that it does. But heat alone might not be the best solution. How Mold Reacts to Heat Mold thrives in moisture levels above 60% relative humidity amid temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Limited ventilation and darkness aid its growth as it spreads using seed-like spores so tiny they are undetectable to the unaided human eye. Spores might sound like a scenario from a science fiction movie, but because they are real they can be eradicated through real actions based on real science. Though ominous to some because it can grow silently and undetected, mold is a manageable organism affected by temperature and other environmental factors. Heat is indeed a crucial component because household mold dies at temperatures above 140°F (60°C). Eliminating spores that spread it is more difficult, requiring temperatures of 160°F (71°C) sustained for several hours. Appliances that scrub the air clean are also important to the effort. Dry Heat vs. Moist Heat: Which Works Better? Boiling water or steam cleaners that reach 212°F (100°C) can kill surface mold, including on walls, while portable heaters can bring the temperature inside a room high enough to have an impact, though professional assistance is advised. Also useful in the fight against mold are HEPA air purifiers such as the heat-enabled Dreame Airpursue PM20 Air Purifier. It dries the air while removing micro-contaminants including airborne mold spores. Such purifiers also help lower the relative humidity to create an environment less hospitable to mold. Warmer, drier air helps keep surfaces dry, deterring condensation that helps mold take hold in the first place. If hot water is used to kill mold, Dreame’s wet and dry vacuum cleaners are excellent for extracting moisture from carpets or floors, either before or after heat treatment. The upright, bagless models offer both dry and wet cleaning with suction power of up to 21,000Pa to remove dirt, debris and micro-organisms from multiple surfaces. Does Heat Kill Black Mold Specifically? Heat can kill black mold along with other types of mold. But ideally it's not the standalone solution. Heat should be used as part of a broader remediation plan that eliminates the sources of moisture that cause mold. A holistic plan also includes manual removal, HEPA filtration and dehumidification. Dreame’s wet dry vacuum cleaners again come in handy, this time for safe removal of moldy water. The advanced technology uses hot water to weaken the organisms while the vacuum removes dead mold and water. Most indoor heating systems can’t reach the temperatures needed to kill mold and its spores, so multiple portable units can be used to reach the required temperature. But with such high heat involved, professionals should be engaged to assist. Dreame Take Avoid using high heat on large areas or porous materials if you are not a trained professional as it can potentially damage materials or even spread spores if not done correctly. Hands-on techniques for mold removal vary according to the surface. For non-porous surfaces such as tile, glass or sealed wood boiling hot water and scrubbing with a brush or cloth using detergent is effective. Heavily affected porous materials such as drywall, insulation, carpet and fabric might have to be cut out and discarded. Killing Mold in Hard-to-Reach Places: Spray Bottles and Other Tools Spray bottles with a nozzle can get a cleaning solution into corners and crevices. A microfiber cloth or soft washcloth wrapped around a paint stirrer or toothbrush can also help you scrub tricky spots. Effective Cleaning Solutions: Bleach: Bleach is effective but should be used with caution due to toxic fumes. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Apply the solution to the moldy surface using a sponge or spray bottle. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. Important NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, as it can create dangerous toxic fumes. White vinegar: Spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the mold. Let it sit for at least an hour, or even 24 hours for tough spots. Then, scrub with a brush and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Hydrogen peroxide:A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide is a less harsh alternative to bleach. Spray undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the mold. Let it sit for about 10-30 minutes. Baking soda: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the moldy area and scrub with a brush. Afterward: Thorough Cleaning and Drying: After physical removal, clean the entire affected area with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to pick up any remaining mold particles. Use fans, dehumidifiers and HEPA purifiers for complete drying. HEPA Vacuuming: Once the area is dry, a Dreame wet and dry vacuum can thoroughly remove leftover spores and fine dust. The advanced appliance captures any residual airborne mold spores and fine dust that traditional vacuums might miss. Clean the canister outdoors to prevent re-releasing spores indoors. Another solution for preventative care is robot vacuums with mops. Unlike traditional robot vacuums that only suck up dirt and dust, these have an integrated mopping system that allows them to handle both dry vacuuming and wet mopping tasks. They also incorporate advanced navigation systems, sensors, and sometimes AI, to map out homes, avoid obstacles and plan efficient cleaning routes. Dreame Robot Vacuum Cleaners vacuum, mop and navigate with precision to ensure floors are clean and dry. They use powerful suction and rotating brushes (main brush and side brushes) to pick up dust, dirt and other debris from the floor. The mopping action is accomplished using a tank that holds water or a cleaning solution and a microfiber pad or cloth attached to the bottom of the robot that scrubs. With home floors dust-free, mold re-settlement is discouraged. Why Mold Is So Hard to Eliminate Mold is difficult to eradicate because it's a living organism that only needs moisture and some form of organic material to thrive. It grows rapidly and invisibly in hidden areas, and can cause both property damage and health problems. Effective remediation requires not just cleaning the mold, but thoroughly addressing the causes that enabled it to grow in the first place. Understanding the science behind why mold grows empowers us to eliminate it and ensure it doesn't return. A healthy environment provided by Dreame’s range of indoor air quality and cleaning appliances help eradicate mold, protecting your well-being, property and peace of mind.  

Bed bugs are more common than many people think—and they don’t care how clean your home is. Whether you’ve noticed itchy bites, strange rust-colored spots on your sheets, or tiny bugs hiding in your mattress seams, you may be facing an infestation. The good news? You don’t have to jump straight to toxic chemicals or costly professional treatments. Two of the safest, most effective ways to fight bed bugs are vacuuming and steaming. In this guide, we will describe how each method works, when you should use them, and tips for getting results that last a long time. How to Know If You Have Bed Bugs Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on human blood. They hide during the day and come out at night to bite, often leaving clusters of red, itchy marks behind. Signs of Bed Bug Activity Include: Small red bites in a line or cluster, especially on arms, legs, or neck Tiny blood stains or dark fecal spots on bedding or furniture Shedded skins or live bugs around mattress seams, headboards, or baseboards A musty, sweet odor in the case of severe infestations To inspect your space, use a flashlight and look along mattress seams, behind headboards, inside baseboard cracks, and around wall outlets or picture frames. Important Bed bugs are elusive. Even if you don’t see them right away, their signs often appear before the insects themselves. Are Bed Bugs and Dust Mites the Same? People often think bed bugs are dust mites, but they’re very different. Dust mites are minute creatures that require a microscope to be seen, and they live by eating dead skin cells. They don’t bite and aren’t visible to the naked eye, but these critters can cause allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose. Bed bugs, on the other hand, are visible and bite humans. If you’re dealing with allergic reactions but no visible bites, the culprit may be dust mites instead. You can learn more in our guide on how to deal with dust mites.  Can Vacuuming Get Rid of Bed Bugs? Yes. Vacuuming is one of the fastest, easiest ways to reduce a bed bug population. It’s especially useful in the early stages of an infestation or when preparing for deeper treatment. Vacuuming removes live bugs, debris, and eggs from surfaces—but it does not kill them. That’s why it should always be paired with additional treatments like steaming or laundering. Pro-tip Vacuuming is an excellent first step, but follow it with steam or heat treatments to fully eliminate hidden pests. How to Vacuum Bed Bugs For best results, follow this step-by-step process. Use a high-powered vacuum with strong suction and a sealed HEPA filter. Attach a narrow crevice tool or brush to help dislodge bugs from tight spaces. Target critical areas like mattress seams, box springs, carpet edges, and behind baseboards or outlets. Learn more with these strategies for vacuuming other tight or hidden areas. Move slowly and carefully to avoid scattering bugs. Dispose of vacuum contents immediately by sealing them in a plastic bag and taking it outside. Wash reusable containers or nozzles in hot, soapy water. Vacuuming should be done regularly until the infestation is completely gone. If you’re using a bagged vacuum, replace the bag after every session. For bagless models, clean the dustbin thoroughly after each use.  Explore Dreame’s full collection of cordless stick vacuums. What Kind of Vacuum Works Best? When selecting a vacuum cleaner to get rid of bed bugs, look for models with multi-layer filtration, strong suction, and tight seals. Lightweight cordless models are convenient for furniture and tight areas, while upright vacuums are better for carpets and large surfaces. Some people find portable “bug vacuum” tools useful for spot treatments, but they shouldn’t be relied on alone.  We recommend a model like the Dreame Z30 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which offers high suction power, multi-surface tools, and a HEPA-level filtration system—ideal for targeting hidden pests. Will Vacuuming Kill Bed Bugs? No. Vacuuming doesn’t kill bed bugs or their eggs. It only removes them from surfaces. Some bugs may survive inside the vacuum unless the contents are sealed and disposed of correctly. Important: Never assume vacuuming alone is enough. Always combine it with additional treatments to avoid recurrence. Can Steam Kill Bed Bugs? Yes. High-heat steam is lethal to both adult bed bugs and their eggs on contact. That makes steaming one of the most powerful chemical-free methods for treating infestations. Dreame Take Steaming is one of the most effective eco-friendly treatments, especially when combined with HEPA-level vacuuming. It targets what vacuums can’t reach—eggs in deep crevices and fabric folds. How to Use Steam to Kill Bed Bugs Steam works by delivering intense heat deep into cracks, fabrics, and crevices—areas where bed bugs love to hide. Here’s how to use it safely and effectively: Choose a dry vapor steamer that reaches at least 200°F (93°C). Use nozzle attachments to control steam flow and access tight spaces. Move slowly—about 1 inch per second—to allow heat to penetrate. Focus on key areas like mattress seams, couch cushions, curtain folds, and baseboards. Avoid steaming electronics, outlets, or sensitive surfaces. Pro-tip Use a towel or cloth-covered nozzle to disperse steam evenly and increase fabric penetration. Will Steam Kill Bed Bug Eggs? Yes—if applied directly and at the right temperature. Steam must reach at least 120°F (49°C) to kill eggs. Most commercial-grade bed bug steamers exceed this threshold. For best results, follow up with vacuuming to remove any dislodged or dead bugs after the surface dries. Vacuum vs. Steam for Bed Bugs: Which Is Better? Here’s a quick and simple side-by-side comparison table to help you decide: Feature Vacuuming Steaming Removes live bugs Yes Yes Kills bugs on contact No Yes Kills eggs No Yes Works in tight crevices Yes (with attachments) Yes (with nozzles) Safe for daily use Yes No Chemical-free Yes Yes Pros Vacuuming is fast, non-invasive, and ideal for daily use. Steaming penetrates deep and kills bugs and eggs in one pass. Cons Vacuuming doesn’t kill pests or eggs. Steaming takes time and should be used cautiously around electronics. Dreame Take Use both methods for the best results. Vacuuming removes visible bugs fast, while steam kills hidden eggs and survivors. Together, they form a highly effective, chemical-free strategy. If you opt for a new vacuum or steamer, don’t let your old vacuum gather dust—give it a second life and help someone create a cleaner, healthier home by following this easy donation guide. What to Do After Treating for Bed Bugs After steaming or vacuuming, ongoing maintenance is key to preventing a rebound. Wash all clothes, bedding, and linens in hot water and dry on high heat. Encase your mattress and box spring in certified bed bug-proof covers. Continue vacuuming sleeping areas at least once a week. Install bed bug interceptors under bed and sofa legs. Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots. Inspect seams, furniture, and floors regularly for new signs. After getting rid of bed bugs, it’s important to keep a clean house.  Pro-tip Ongoing vigilance for the next 30 days is often the difference between success and relapse. How to Prevent Bed Bugs Long-Term Prevention is easier—and cheaper—than treatment. Stay ahead with these proactive tips: Inspect all secondhand items before bringing them indoors. Use luggage racks in hotels and avoid placing bags on beds or carpets. Vacuum and steam your suitcase after traveling. Seal cracks in baseboards, floorboards, and walls. Use mattress encasements year-round, especially in apartments or dorms. Educate roommates or household members about early warning signs. Important If you live in shared housing, coordinate prevention efforts with neighbors or building management to prevent re-infestation. FAQ Can bed bugs go away on their own? No. Left untreated, infestations grow larger. Active intervention is necessary. Are bed bugs hard to kill with your fingers? Yes. They are small, flat, and excellent at hiding. Manual squishing isn’t a solution. Are bed bug eggs sticky? Yes. They have a glue-like surface that allows them to stick to wood, fabric, and crevices. Can bed bugs live in vacuum-sealed bags? Not for long. Bed bugs need oxygen and will die in airtight conditions, but only if the seal remains intact. Can a clothes steamer kill bed bugs? Most clothes steamers do not maintain the consistent heat required. A dedicated bed bug steamer is more effective. A clean home isn’t just tidy—it’s a sanctuary for your mind, especially when you’ve finally kicked bed bugs to the curb; feel the relief and reclaim your peace with this uplifting guide from Dreame on the mental health benefits of cleaning. Final Note Bed bugs are tough—but not impossible to beat. With a strategy that combines regular vacuuming, targeted steaming, and consistent follow-up, you can get rid of them safely and efficiently. Whether you’re managing a light infestation or preventing a recurrence, the key is consistency and the right tools.